RISING WOMAN 2025: Joseline Kamuhanda: Trusting the process and embracing the journey

Joseline Kamuhanda, is not your average corporate leader—she is bold, determined, and daring, yet deeply compassionate and visionary.

As we began our conversation, I was candid about wanting her to share the raw, unfiltered version of her journey. Too often, women reflect on their careers from a place of success, leaving out the struggles they faced along the way.

“Trust the process, embrace the journey, and never stop pushing forward.”—this is Joseline’s life motto. She began by unpacking what it truly means to her, both personally and professionally.

“I firmly believe in trusting the process. Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, people ask me, ‘Joseline, are we still trusting the process?’ And my answer is always yes,” she says.

Her conviction started early. Joseline, who works at CRDB Bank as head of marketing, has navigated the corporate world with resilience, holding leadership positions in Tanzania’s telecommunications and banking industries. “I’ve been a department head for years, but many people want to climb the corporate ladder without truly understanding leadership,” she explains.

A career rooted in purpose

Straight out of university, Joseline landed a job as a brand manager at Vodacom during a time of transition. At just 20-something, she was overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility but was fortunate to have mentors who guided her.

“At that age, you feel like you can conquer the world, but then KPIs start, and there’s no room for mistakes—reality kicks in,” she recalls.

Her corporate journey was anything but smooth. After two years in marketing, she was moved to corporate affairs—a completely different field.

“I had to reapply for my role, unsure if I would even have a job. I studied marketing, and suddenly, I was in corporate affairs with no experience in stakeholder management. But I had to figure it out,” she admits.

She credits her growth to female leaders who paved the way, including Georgia Mutagahywa and Mwamvita Makamba. “They gave me a kickstart to the person I am today,” she says.

Joseline later transitioned from Vodacom to NMB Bank in a lesser role—Senior Manager in Public Relations. “That was me trusting the process. I knew I had to gain diverse experience to thrive in the long run,” she reflects.

From NMB, she moved to CRDB Bank, where she has served as Head of Marketing—the longest tenure of her career.

Personal growth and life’s unexpected turns

For much of her early career, marriage and family weren’t on Joseline’s radar. “I was focused on my career and enjoying my job. I felt complete,” she shares.

She married in her late 30s—an age that some questioned. “People asked why I waited so long, and I simply told them, ‘I was trusting the process. I’ll have kids when the time is right,’” she says.

But life had its own plans. Two years ago, she fell seriously ill, forcing her to slow down. “My life paused. Work took a back seat, and I had to focus on my health,” she reveals. Now recovered, she is once again considering starting a family.

“Life gets crazy, but your personal life matters, too. The process doesn’t have to be perfect—just prioritize what you can handle at the time,” she advises.

The power of mentors

Joseline describes mentors as “God-sent” and believes they are invaluable for career growth.

“A mentor takes their time to nurture and guide you, but many people today don’t fully utilize mentorship. The first step is identifying the areas where you need guidance,” she notes.

She currently mentors two young men and one woman, emphasizing that mentorship requires commitment. “CRDB offers mentorship opportunities globally, but the question is—do people make time for it?”

Championing financial inclusion

At CRDB, Joseline is passionate about bridging the financial gap for women and youth.

“We don’t just provide financial services—we educate our customers. Inclusion is one thing, but financial literacy is equally critical,” she explains. The bank has dedicated initiatives focusing on empowering women and young people.

Lessons and advice for aspiring leaders

If there’s one thing Joseline wishes she had known earlier, it’s to slow down.

“Early in my career, I rushed everything. But now, I understand that success isn’t about speed—it’s about the quality of what you achieve,” she says. Her advice to women entering banking? “Embrace diversity. The industry brings together people from different backgrounds, and the sooner you appreciate that, the more you’ll thrive.”

Through resilience, faith, and an unwavering belief in trusting the process, Joseline Kamuhanda continues to redefine leadership—on her own terms.

Supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation